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3 Things You Should Avoid Buying During the Seventh Lunar Month – Superstitions and Traditions to be Aware Of

11 September, 2024

The Ghost Month: Superstitions and Beliefs

In traditional Vietnamese belief, the seventh month of the lunar calendar is known as the “Ghost Month.” It is believed that during this time, the gates of the underworld open and restless spirits roam the Earth. As a result, many consider this month to be the most frightening time of the year.

Throughout this month, families often perform rituals to appease these wandering spirits and ensure their own peace and safety. Offerings are made outdoors, on the streets, and in front of homes to feed the hungry ghosts and ward off potential misfortune.

According to folk beliefs, the Ghost Month is an inauspicious time, and it is best to avoid undertaking significant endeavors. It is considered unlucky to purchase certain items during this period, as it may attract unwanted spiritual attention and bring about bad luck.

**3 Things to Avoid Buying During the Ghost Month:**

*- Refrain from buying real estate:*

Large purchases, such as properties and land, are often avoided during the Ghost Month. It is believed that during this time, homeless spirits with no place of worship tend to inhabit vacant houses. Therefore, buying a new home during this period may result in unwanted spiritual attention, pranks, and potential misfortune for the new owners.

Additionally, as the Ghost Month is a time when spirits return to seek revenge or show gratitude, buying land may result in acquiring a plot with strong negative spiritual energy, which could bring harm to the new owners.

*Fig: Large purchases like properties are often avoided during the Ghost Month*

*- Avoid buying mirrors and glass:*

Mirrors and glass are considered objects of spiritual significance in folk beliefs, often associated with the underworld. Buying and installing mirrors during the Ghost Month, when the gates of the underworld are believed to be open, is thought to invite bad luck and unwanted spiritual entities into the home. Breaking a mirror or glass during transportation or installation is considered even more unlucky.

*- Refrain from buying gold:*

Gold, being a valuable commodity, is also avoided during the Ghost Month. It is believed that purchasing gold during this inauspicious time may result in financial losses and bring misfortune to the buyer.

**3 Things You Can Consider Buying During the Ghost Month:**

*- Feng shui items:*

You may consider purchasing feng shui items like quartz crystals, agate beads, or tumbled stones. Choosing feng shui items that align with your elemental sign is believed to help dispel negative energy and ward off bad luck.

*- Salt:*

In folk beliefs, salt is considered a powerful tool for exorcism. On the day of forgiving the dead, families often sprinkle salt in the corners of their homes to ward off evil spirits or place salt shakers inside to dispel negative energy.

*- Lighters or matches:*

In the past, it was believed that evil spirits were afraid of light and fire. Therefore, carrying lighters or matches was thought to help ward off evil spirits and avoid bad luck during the Ghost Month.

**Superstitions with a Pinch of Salt**

It is important to note that these beliefs are based on traditional folklore and oral traditions. In modern times, many people do not strictly adhere to these superstitions. For example, while buying land or property during the Ghost Month was once considered taboo, some people now take advantage of potential discounts and purchase valuable assets at more affordable prices.

Ultimately, the decision to follow these superstitions depends on your personal beliefs and level of comfort. Remember, these are just traditional beliefs, and you can choose to interpret and act upon them in a way that aligns with your own values and worldview.

* *Information provided is for reference and entertainment purposes only.*

Frequently asked questions

The seventh lunar month is a time of spiritual significance in Vietnamese culture, often associated with ghosts and the afterlife. It is believed that during this month, the gates of hell open and the dead are free to roam the Earth.

There are several superstitions and traditions that Vietnamese people follow during the seventh lunar month. It is considered bad luck to get married, move to a new home, or start a new business during this time. People also avoid swimming, as it is believed that the water is inhabited by ghosts. It is common to offer food and prayers to the dead, and to burn fake money and paper goods to send to the afterlife.

The three things to avoid buying are shoes, knives or scissors, and books. Shoes symbolize the journey to the afterlife and it is believed that buying them during this month could bring bad luck or even death. Knives and scissors are sharp objects that can cut the thread of life, bringing misfortune. Books are thought to attract ghosts and negative energy, especially if they are placed on altars or near religious statues.

Buying shoes during the seventh lunar month is believed to bring bad luck as it symbolizes the journey to the afterlife. It is thought that purchasing shoes at this time could invite death or misfortune upon oneself or loved ones.

Knives, scissors, and sharp objects are avoided during the seventh lunar month as they are believed to be able to cut the thread of life. This symbolizes bringing an early end to one’s life or inviting accidents and misfortune.

Books are thought to attract ghosts and negative energy during the seventh lunar month, especially if placed in certain areas of the home. This belief may stem from the idea that knowledge and learning are associated with the living, and offering books to the dead could invite their spirits into the home.